Thank you to all of our fantastic volunteers and educators!
Congratulations Lori Scobie and Jeff Okazi and thank you for your service! Read about all of our nominees and what the community had to say about their impact.
Embedded Files
Lori Scobie
(Outstanding Educator)
Lori Scobie
(Outstanding Educator)
Lori goes “above and beyond to help every student succeed and to have a wonderful 4th grade experience,” creating a classroom where students feel both challenged and deeply supported. Families consistently highlight how “she communicates well with parents” and builds meaningful connections between school and home.
Students thrive in her care because “she meets the kids where they are academically but then challenges them to push past their comfort zone,” all while being “caring and kind” and keeping “the kiddos engaged.”
Her impact is felt in the joy and confidence of her students—“my student could not love Mrs. Scobie more”—and in the lasting impression she leaves as “a one-of-a-kind teacher with a heart of gold.” Simply put, “we are all so lucky to have her here at LFP.”
“Lori advocates for her students, and holds her students to high standards.”
“She has had a tremendous impact on her students and truly cares about each and every one of them.”
“She genuinely loves all of her students and works hard to honor each kiddo’s learning style.”
“Lori always goes above and beyond making school a happy place for her students.”
“She challenges students with technology, projects, and daily assignments that foster creativity and collaboration.”
Jeff Okazaki
(Outstanding volunteer)
Jeff Okazaki
(Outstanding volunteer)
Jeff is a constant, uplifting presence throughout the school, showing up in countless ways to support students and staff alike. “Jeff is there for every picture day, popcorn day… and SO much more,” and “there is no job at LFP that he won’t help with.”
Whether he’s working with students academically or helping at events, “Jeff is amazing when it comes to connecting with students,” always bringing patience, positivity, and a smile. His willingness to step in wherever needed and his genuine care for the community make a lasting difference—“he’s always willing to help when the need arises”—and it’s clear to all that “he’s making a major difference in our community.”
“Jeff helps students with math, he reads to students, and SO much more.”
“He’s kind, funny, and a pleasure to volunteer with.”
“It’s an honor to get to know him.”
“Jeff is at school nearly every day helping in some way.”
“Between fifth grade math intervention and 2nd grade reading he always has a smile even when popping popcorn for 500+ students.”
“He helps at field day and other events and has even been our mascot! We love having him here.”
Golden Apple Nominees
Golden Apple Nominees
Natalie Campbell
Natalie Campbell
Natalie creates a classroom where students feel both supported and guided, balancing kindness with strong leadership.
“Natalie engages the class and is kind and gentle, but firm.”
Arturo Geronimo
Arturo Geronimo
Arturo is the quiet engine of the school—keeping everything running while leading with kindness and heart. His daily presence makes a lasting impact far beyond the visible.
“He’s constantly showing kindness and love to students every day.”
“We are all so lucky to have Arturo in our lives.”
"He's critical to LFP, but most importantly critical to our community. From Sing-a-Ling to Popcorn Days, all PTA events, in-school assemblies, everyday moments like lunch, and millions of other moments throughout the school year, none of it would be possible without Arturo."
Britt Harris & Joanne Olson
Britt Harris & Joanne Olson
The heartbeat of the front office, Britt and Joanne keep the school connected, informed, and running smoothly. Their behind-the-scenes work touches every family, every day.
“Our school would not function day in and day out without them.”
“They are the first face of the school and the hub of communication.”
Kelly Holloway
Kelly Holloway
Kelly’s patience and dedication create a safe space for students to grow—academically and emotionally. Her support changes not just outcomes, but entire experiences.
“She has shown such kindness and patience.”
“We couldn’t have been successful without her help.”
Jennifer Lim
Jennifer Lim
Jennifer meets each student exactly where they are—lifting them up with encouragement, creativity, and care. Her work leaves students feeling confident and seen.
“She tailors her strategies to each student and their interests.”
“Students always look forward to working with her.”
Bre Miller & Ashley Gilbrough
Bre Miller & Ashley Gilbrough
This dynamic duo has created a kindergarten experience filled with care, growth, and joy—laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
“They have made our child’s kindergarten experience absolutely amazing.”
“The care and thought they put into each student exceeded expectations.”
Ingrid Nyberg
Ingrid Nyberg
Ingrid brings the magic back to reading—turning support into something students are proud to be part of. Through her thoughtful communication and joyful approach, she builds both skills and confidence.
“She makes the kids understand that needing extra help can still be a fun experience.”
“Calling reading club a ‘club’ makes it something students are proud to be part of.”
Ingrid Rigsby
Ingrid Rigsby
Ingrid creates belonging wherever she goes—building bridges with families and empowering both students and staff. Her impact echoes through the entire school community.
“She makes families feel welcome and brings community voices into the school.”
“Her impact here is B-I-G!”
Maggie Smith
Maggie Smith
Maggie inspires a love of music that goes far beyond the classroom, creating opportunities for students to grow, perform, and shine.
“She gets kids excited about music and builds something truly special.”
“We truly appreciate the passion she is growing.”
Golden Acorn Nominees
Golden Acorn Nominees
Rachel Chen
Rachel Chen
Rachel creates welcoming, meaningful experiences that bring the community together year after year.
“She makes sure every family is welcomed properly.”
“She continues to outdo herself for our community every year.”
Rianne Ferns
Rianne Ferns
Rianne is dedicated to helping every student grow in confidence and understanding, especially in math.
“She prioritizes deeper understanding and growth for all students.”
Guy Forbes
Guy Forbes
For decades, Guy has brought music, joy, and consistency to the school community—creating memories that span generations.
“He always arrives with a smile and a ‘hello!’”
“We are so lucky to have him.”
Michelle Markwood
Michelle Markwood
Michelle brings a positive presence to each event, supporting the school community and encouraging others to get involved.
“She shows up with a smile.”
Elizabeth & John O'Neil
Elizabeth & John O'Neil
With warmth and enthusiasm, Elizabeth and John bring positivity and connection wherever they go. Their time spent with students and the LFP community is greatly appreciated.
“They are consistently upbeat and engaging!”
Leah Smith
Leah Smith
Leah does so much behind the scenes, never receiving the credit she deserves. The PTA and school are better thanks to all the things Leah selflessly does for students and staff. From organizing the record-breaking auction in 2023 to showing our staff so much love this year, she's what the PTA is all about to some of us—leaving things better than you found it and never wanting the credit.
“Most people may not even know they need to thank Leah for so much!”
"Leah brought a raffle and prizes for the Bike Rodeo because she saw no one else had done it. Talk about above, beyond, and behind-the-scenes!"
Sarah Tucker
Sarah Tucker
Sarah somehow does it all—balancing extraordinary professional work with tireless dedication to the school community. Her impact is felt in countless programs and experiences and in so many things that most of our community don't even know about.
"Sarah has stepped up to take on One Book One School, Student Enrichment (including bringing an entirely new program to the school), Kindergarten Playdates to welcome new families to LFP, Movie Night (did you love K-Pop Demon Hunters Movie Night? Thank Sarah!), and so much more!"
"Sarah is so passionate about student/staff experiences and does so much more than expected to make sure that everyone at LFP feels seen and has a positive year.
“She is a wizard with the time and love she gives."
More about the awards
More about the awards
Each year, the Lake Forest Park PTA presents two awards—the Golden Apple to an outstanding educator and the Golden Acorn to an outstanding volunteer—to community members who have substantially contributed to our school and its students in an exceptional way.
The Golden Apple Award recognizes an individual who goes beyond the normal expectations for their job to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging. Open to teachers, specialists, assistants, staff or community members who develop and inspire students academically and/or personally.
The Golden Acorn Award honors a parent, caregiver, or guardian who has given outstanding, continued and dedicated volunteer service to children and youth in our community.
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